Kyle Schwarber spurns Cubs' division rival in return to Phillies

Kyle Schwarber was drawing heavy interest from the Cincinnati Reds and Pittsburgh Pirates during the early hours of the Winter Meetings, but it just set the stage for a return to the Philadelphia Phillies. Schwarber agreed to a five-year deal worth $150 million and serves as the first major domino to fall at the Winter Meetings.

In recent weeks, both the Reds and Pirates made headlines for their efforts to sign Schwarber. If anything, it felt like they were doing the bidding of the Phillies, who previously weren't willing to go past four years in their original offer. The outside interest clearly led to Philadelphia upping its offer and getting a deal for Schwarber, their stated priority heading into the offseason.

Kyle Schwarber signing with the Phillies may open the floodgates for the Cubs at the Winter Meetings.

Schwarber can't be involved in a headline without Cubs fans once again questioning the team's decision to non-tender him after the 2020 season. There's no doubt that it was a cost-cutting measure for Chicago, but fans fail to realize that this version of Schwarber was not the player the Cubs parted ways with five years ago.

Also, Schwarber certainly would have been traded by the Cubs at the sell-off that took place at the 2021 MLB trade deadline. All that being said, it will be awkward to realize that when looking back at his playing career once it is over, Schwarber will probably be remembered for his time with the Phillies before winning the World Series with the Cubs in 2016.

While the Cubs were often mentioned in the background of Schwarber's free agency, the fit never seemed like it was there. As much as this version of Schwarber is a clear fit for what their starting lineup needs, the team likely was never going to pay $150 million for someone relegated to a DH role.

There could be an uptick in moves taking place at the Winter Meetings now that Schwarber is off the market. For example, the Boston Red Sox, the biggest threat in the Cubs' pursuit of Alex Bregman, may look to finalize that deal and land their big bat.